Smooth Rockcress

Range: Southwest Quebec to Colorado, south to Georgia and west to Oklahoma.

Aids to Identification: Smooth rockcress grows to 1 m in height with pods 8-10 cm long spreading horizontally. The flowers are greenish white or white, 0.5 cm or less wide. The glaucous stem and clasping, auricled leaves differentiate it from similar species.

Ecological characteristics: Known to occur in Maine on xeric to moist circumneutral cliff faces, ledges and talus slopes.

Reason(s) for rarity: Near edge of range; habitat is naturally scarce.

Conservation considerations: These plants typically grow on ledges in forested areas; the effects of logging in the surrounding woods is unknown. Partial removal of the canopy could mimic natural conditions since ledge habitats are frequently semi-open themselves.